Spotlight

Location

Oro Valley, AZ

Year Started

2002

Gwen
Peebles

Senior Branch Office Administrator

What did you do before Edward Jones?
I was a commercial loan processor at a bank.
How does Edward Jones compare to the companies where you previously worked?
I've always worked in businesses that provided customer service. The focus was on profit and service to the customer was almost like an afterthought. There wasn't any encouragement to work together to move forward, and I hated the office politics. Edward Jones' number one core value is "the clients' interests come first." Also, Edward Jones values and respects individuals and their contributions. Comparing Edward Jones to companies I worked for in the past is like comparing a red delicious apple to a worm.

What is it like to work in a two-person office?
Everything we do in our office centers around our client's personal and financial needs. Working together in one office allows us to do that casually. We converse about our clients in a relaxed atmosphere and determine how we would serve them based on their individual needs. Working in a two-person office is challenging, yet satisfying.

What kinds of things do you do every day to help the clients?
I make myself available to answer their questions and help them with administrative problems. We have elderly clients who need special attention. I'm always available for them.

What kinds of things do you do every day to help your financial advisor build the business?
I take the initiative to review new tools and processes that I think will help deliver excellent client service. I discuss the benefits, and I develop a process to incorporate into our daily routine. I contact clients to schedule annual reviews, and we have a process to prepare for the reviews. We have brief meetings throughout the day to discuss things that need immediate attention.

What kind of support do you get from the home office?
Change is ongoing at Edward Jones. The excellent support we get from home office regarding system enhancements and new tools has made easier to run an efficient office. This has a positive impact on how we continue to provide excellent client service.

What’s the most important part of your day as a BOA?
First and most important is providing excellent client service, maintaining a close and productive relationship with my financial advisor, and running an efficient office.